Barkingside’s local Agenda 21 community and environment group – campaigning for a sustainable future.

Monday, May 05, 2014

May is Scams Awareness Month

The fact that May 2014 has been chosen as Scams Awareness Month has got nothing to do with the elections that are being held on May 22nd. It’s just a coincidence – honest! This is not a Scam! Really, those people knocking on your door canvassing are probably genuine, but please do check their credentials. You never know; there are some dodgy people about ….

As you are probably aware, there are thousands of different types of scams, and it can get confusing and difficult to know how best to protect yourself.

According to the Trading Standards Institute, only five per cent of scams are reported. This is because so many people feel shame or embarrassment at being caught out. We don't want people to suffer in silence. We want you to help us encourage your neighbours, relatives and friends to report scams or attempted scams to www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.

You can download useful anti-scam resources from www.thinkjessica.com, a charity protecting elderly and vulnerable people from scams. For a small charge of £2 to cover postage and packing you can also order hard copies of A4/A5 posters from them - contact advice@thinkjessica.com for more information.

This week the campaign is focusing on online scams. For information about staying safe online, we recommend you visit www.getsafeonline.org or www.cyberstreetwise.com. Both of those sites have lots of useful information.

More information is available in the Scams Awareness Month pack at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/sam14-resources. It includes some 'key messages' and ideas about activities you could do to help promote the month.